Updates in the 2016 NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems help designers, engineers, contractors, and installers develop the best fire sprinkler defense for any occupancy.

Fire protection challenges have changed along with construction materials and types of storage. Get equipped for today’s hazards by getting up-to-code with the new industry standard for the automatic sprinkler system design, installation, and acceptance testing; hanging and bracing systems; underground piping; and seismic protection.

Revisions to commodity classification tables in the 2016 NFPA 13 present the most significant update to the tables in over 30 years.

Updated classification tables in Chapter 5 Annex based on today’s materials help sprinkler system designers avoid common errors in classifying commodities. The new tables improve accuracy and reduce the risk for mistakes that could prove catastrophic in a fire.

A task group addressed the costly problem of corrosion in piping.

In a major change that impacts installers, the 2016 NFPA 13 adds a new requirement that a single air vent be installed for each wet sprinkler system to help reduce potential corrosion activity due to trapped air. A task group concluded that venting the trapped air in a wet system can decrease water delivery time, reduce alarm ring delay, reduce water flow alarm cyclic ringing, and reduce corrosion activity.

Other changes provide more flexible options for sprinkler design:

A new protection scheme for exposed bay plastics in racks has been added to Chapter 17, in response to the potential for serious fires.

New language added to Chapter 8 based on studies done by the Fire Protection Research Foundation allows sprinklers to be omitted above certain cloud ceiling configurations.

Conversions to metric have switched from an exact conversion into an approximate conversion to make the Standard more usable and cost effective on a global scale.

A new provision requires listed window sprinklers to be used where glazing assemblies are used as an alternative to fire-resistance-rated construction.

Revisions in Chapter 9 address the use of concrete anchors

An alternative storage protection scheme has been added for certain storage arrangements, similar to the Scheme A allowance in NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

Gain the edge in sprinkler protection to prevent fire deaths and property loss.

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems advances how sprinkler system designers, installers, maintainers, and AHJs can safeguard people and property against fire. Improve automatic fire sprinkler effectiveness and avoid errors using the new research-based 2016 edition of NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems. (Softbound, Approx. 468 pp., 2016)

Editor: Matt Klaus

Written by sprinkler industry leaders and redesigned for greater usability, the 2016 NFPA 13 Handbook helps you implement the new industry standard.

To accompany the milestone 2016 NFPA 13, NFPA® presents the fully redesigned new Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook. Current with the 2016 NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems and the latest sprinkler technology, the Handbook helps you apply scientifically-based solutions that reduce risks and fire loss.

Written by the foremost experts in fire sprinkler engineering, fire testing, and applications, this full-color resource is packed with expertise, color visuals, and information that prepares you to conduct accurate and efficient system design, installation, and testing. Get equipped with essential know-how and support!

Here's how the NFPA 13 Handbook assists designers, engineers, contractors, and installers on the job:

Complete 2016 NFPA 13 text brings you up-to-code with the latest research-based requirements for system design, installation, and acceptance testing.

Expanded checklists and worksheets include a new plans review feature from the AHJ perspective written by David Lowrey, as well as new storage lessons by James Golinveaux, and hanging and bracing lessons by John Deutsch.

Project workflow diagrams and flowcharts illustrate the progress of a sprinkler project step by step.

A decision tree on protection for storage shows users how to choose the right sprinkler strategy for any facility.

Seven supplements include an update on storage standards, complete step-by-step hydraulic calculations for a sprinkler system, guidance on choosing the appropriate commodity classification, and an overview of what's new in the 2016 NFPA 13.

New design features improve navigation and make information more accessible.

Code Update icons indicate a change has occurred.

"Ask the AHJ" FAQs help installers avoid common errors.

"Designer’s Corner" features take a deep dive into design topics.

Updated line art improves your understanding of connections.

Understand vital concepts before installation and help ensure every step is done right.